‘We can’t let our guard down’: Ontario First Nations face COVID outbreaks

COVID-19 cases in Eabametoong First Nation.The virus spread rapidly through the remote community located about 300 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont., triggering a lockdown that shut stores and public facilities while residents were advised to self-isolate to prevent further infections.It all happened as the province was gradually lifting public health measures against COVID-19 and infection rates were declining in much of southern Ontario.In Eabametoong, however, about 170 of the community’s roughly 1,400 residents were ill with the virus in mid February, according to Chief Solomon Atlookan.

Due to a limited number of homes and public facilities, it was a challenge for residents to isolate to curb the spread of COVID-19, he said.“It was a massive infection rate here in the community and it sort of took everybody by surprise,” Atlookan said in a phone interview.

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And that’s basically ? what happened. People didn’t know they’re infected, and of course, they’re out and about, and (cases) just went right up from there.”Eabametoong was not the only First Nation in northern Ontario to see a spike in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks.Kasabonika Lake, Attawapiskat, Kashechewan and Mishkeegogamang First Nations all saw significant COVID-19 outbreaks that prompted responses from local pandemic management teams, government agencies, public health authorities and the military.The Canadian Armed Forces deployed Canadian Rangers to help alleviate pressures on Eabametoong as well as those four other communities last month.